Interior Design: Bachelor of Interior Design

Description

The Bachelor of Interior Design (IDSN) program provides students wishing to pursue a professional career in interior design with a four-year intensive education focused on the built environment. KPU's well received Interior Design degree has been accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) since 2000. As the first accredited program in British Columbia, our CIDA accreditation continues to ensure that our curriculum meets and exceeds industry standards and helps students build the foundation to become a registered interior designer.

The Interior Design faculty team is dedicated to:

Providing a design education that includes all facets of interior design with emphasis on experience and skills in theory, research, critical analysis, problem-solving, design concepts, working drawings and specifications, technology, presentation media techniques, professional business practices and procedures, and awareness of human needs in interior design and related environments

Preparing students for work in interior design and/or architectural offices

Providing a practical and theoretical knowledge base that conforms to the definition and practice of interior design as described by the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) and as endorsed in the North American definition of an Interior Designer

Interior Design information sessions are scheduled each fall in order to answer questions from prospective students and to allow applicants to view entry portfolios of current students. These sessions have been of great benefit to those interested in entering the program. Please visit kpu.ca/events to confirm dates, times and location.

For more information on the Interior Design program, you may view our department website at: kpu.ca/interiordesign.

Student Profile

Interior Design students come from a wide variety of backgrounds and vary in age and experience. What they have in common is a passion for sculpting interior space. Often our students have explored other art forms including photography, drawing, illustration, painting, pottery, jewelry making, model making or other kinds of design-focused work.

Applicants may come directly from high school, from other post-secondary institutions, or they may be former graduates of design, fine arts, or other related programs. They may also be mature adults who want to make a career change or may have experience in the interior design industry and want to upgrade to a degree.

We strongly recommend that interested applicants have solid communication skills, computer and word processing experience, ability to measure and draft, time management skills, and an awareness of the interior design profession.

Career Opportunities

The career potential for this field is strong. When the economy is strong, building construction increases, and this in turn results in jobs for interior designers. Of course the career potential clearly depends on the individual, their portfolio, and work experience upon graduation. Graduates of the interior design program may work on hospitality and retail design projects, exhibition, theatre/television, and set design, the design of office/corporate or residential projects. Over time, some of our graduates become senior partners in design/architectural firms, and may also go on to start their own firms.

You may find more information on the field of Interior Design and salary outlooks on the National Occupational Classification located on the Human Resources and Skills Development Canada website at 'NOC-Interior Design' OR on the WorkBC website under 'Occupations'.

* Qualified applicants will receive an invitation to the required Portfolio Review and Interview session.

Portfolio Review and Interview

During the portfolio and interview process, faculty members evaluate each applicant for suitability for admission based on the contents of the portfolio and results of an interview (including prior learning assessments). For detailed information about Interior Design as well as the interview and portfolio review process, visit the department's website at kpu.ca/design/interior-design/portfolio

Continuance Requirements

The Studio courses (i.e., IDSN 1113, 1202, 2300, 2400, 3500, 3600, 4001) require a minimum grade of C+ in order to progress in the program. All other courses require a minimum grade of C in order to progress.

Students must complete and log 80 hours of practical experience in an interior design or architectural firm under the supervision of a registered interior designer. This practical experience can occur anytime during the program but must be completed before Professional Practice 2 in the spring semester of year 4 of the program (see below).

Curricular Requirements

The Interior Design program requires the completion of 128 credits of coursework. Students may take their general education and non-discipline specific courses prior to entering the program and/or during the summer semester in order to lighten their workload during the term. Many general education courses are offered during the summer semester.

In order to succeed in the second year of the Interior Design program, students should have proficiency in AutoCAD, and should complete ENGL 1100 prior to commencing second year.

The Interior Design program requires 30 credits that fulfill the following conditions:

3 credits from ENGL 1100, Introduction to University Writing

27 credits of electives chosen from courses in the Faculty of Arts, the Faculty of Science & Horticulture, or the list of Quantitative courses (except those from the School of Business or the Chip & Shannon Wilson School of Design), including:

at least three different academic disciplines

at least 3 credits from the Faculty of Arts

at least 3 credits from the Faculty of Science & Horticulture

at least 3 credits from a course at the 3000 level or higher

Other Information

The third year of the Interior Design program includes Design Field School (DESN 3100) as part of the curriculum requirements and the cost of travel is borne by the student. Therefore, applicants should factor in the cost of this travel at approximately $3500 including air travel and course fees.

The Interior Design program is delivered utilizing a laptop program referred to as "EMobility". All students lease a laptop for the duration of the 4-year degree. New students should factor in this cost at approximately $500-$800 per year. All course material is housed online and laptops are equipped with the requisite software to complete course deliverables

Students are advised NOT to purchase a personal laptop computer as all required equipment, software, and technical support services will be supplied by KPU.

Credential Awarded

Upon successful completion of this program, students are eligible to receive a Bachelor of Interior Design.

This Bachelor degree, followed by two cumulative years of work experience in the profession, qualifies graduates to write the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) examination. This in turn, allows professional membership in the Interior Designers' Institute of British Columbia (IDIBC), the Interior Designers of Canada (IDC), and various international interior design associations.

Format:

Minimum Credits Required:

Instructional Cycle:

Curriculum Effective Date:

Applying to KPU:

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